JED XREF Modernization Guide

JED XREF is a tool designed to store and manage information about application source code and JCL (Job Control Language) within a z/OS environment. It provides a centralized repository for this information, enabling users to query and report on relationships between jobs, programs, and datasets.

JED XREF is best described as a tool set. It comprises components for data storage, querying, reporting, and monitoring, all focused on application source and JCL management.

Organizations that rely on z/OS mainframe environments and need to understand the relationships between their applications, jobs, and data would benefit from JED XREF. This includes enterprises in industries like banking, insurance, and government.

A company should consider using JED XREF when they need to improve their understanding of application dependencies, streamline impact analysis, and ensure the accuracy of their JCL and source code documentation.

Alternatives to JED XREF include RefWiz, Rocket INFO/X Enterprise, PathPoint, and Rocket Enterprise Analyzer. These tools offer similar capabilities for analyzing and managing mainframe application environments.

JED XREF runs on the z/OS platform. It is z/OS dependent and typically runs within an LPAR (Logical Partition). It may require specific z/OS subsystems to be active.

JED XREF requires a z/OS environment with the necessary subsystems and storage to support its database and monitoring components. It also benefits from integration with JED, a companion product.

JED XREF stores its data in a database, the specifics of which are vendor-defined. This database holds information about application source code, JCL, and their relationships. The tool also uses monitoring components to maintain the currency of the information in the database.

JED XREF is often deployed on-premise within the z/OS environment. Implementation requires expertise in z/OS, JCL, and application development practices. Common challenges include initial data population and ensuring ongoing data accuracy.

JED XREF solves the business problem of understanding and managing application dependencies in a z/OS environment. Without it, organizations may struggle to perform impact analysis, troubleshoot issues, and maintain accurate documentation.

If an organization does not use JED XREF, they may face challenges in understanding the relationships between their applications, jobs, and data. This can lead to increased troubleshooting time, higher risk of errors during changes, and difficulty in maintaining compliance.

JED XREF helps organizations produce reports that show the relationships between jobs, programs, and datasets. For example, it can generate a report of all jobs that execute a specific program or all programs that use a particular dataset.

JED XREF's security features are designed to control access to mainframe datasets and application source code. The specific authentication methods and access control models used are vendor-defined.

JED XREF likely uses an access control model to restrict access to sensitive information. The specific model (RBAC, ABAC, ACL, etc.) is vendor-defined. Consult the vendor documentation for details.

JED XREF provides audit and logging capabilities to track user activity and changes to application source code and JCL. These logs can be used for security monitoring and compliance purposes.

Ongoing operational requirements for JED XREF include monitoring the currency of the information in the database, performing regular maintenance, and ensuring adequate staffing to support the tool.

JED XREF provides administrative interfaces for user management, configuration, and monitoring. The specific interfaces (CLI, GUI, web console) are vendor-defined. Consult the vendor documentation for details.

JED XREF offers monitoring and logging capabilities to track system performance and identify potential issues. These capabilities help ensure the tool is operating efficiently and that data is accurate.